Working while Studying-Know the work hours permitted on Student Visa

Against the backdrop of a shrinking economy, one of the most affected sectors is the study abroad. But the interesting fact revealed from various studies and admission analysis of different top universities across the world is that despite a falling economy, the number of international students is on the rise. The quality of education, prestige factor attached and the future career opportunities of pursuing an education programme in the top universities across the world have encouraged more and more students to opt for a study abroad programme.

In order to battle the crisis, students have been exploring various options like study loans, scholarships and grants, and part-time work while studying; the last being the most popular option. Students opt for various part-time work options while pursuing their studies. From working on campus to several off-campus options, students can go for any work that will meet their expenses without hampering their studies.

Although different countries have different policies, most of them have a similar work-while-study regulation on student visas. We present you with an analysis of policies on work permit on student visa of 13 popular study abroad destinations. While most of the countries do not have any restriction for students working while studying during the vacations or summer breaks, some countries like the USA, Japan, Switzerland and New Zealand have stricter rules. In the USA, unless permitted by the Designated School Official under special circumstances, international students are not allowed to work before a year at the university. Similarly, Japan and Switzerland have a restriction for students carrying study visa till 6 months and New Zealand imposes restrictions till 14 weeks. Switzerland, though, has no regulations for master’s students working on-campus. In the UK, for international students pursuing a degree lower than the bachelor’s or studying in publicly funded Further Education College, the part-time work hours permitted on student visa is 10 hours.

Most of the countries do not have any restrictions for PhD students whose education programmes involve working on campus, for students whose coursework involves internships or work hours, or for students working voluntarily on campus. Countries like Singapore, the UK, Holland, Ireland, the USA, Australia and Canada have different regulations for vacations and breaks. Except the USA which allows 40 hours a week work permit, the rest of these countries allow full work hours permit during the holidays. On the other hand, countries like Japan, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland and New Zealand have similar policies and regulations at all times during the studentship. But most of these countries require separate application for a work permit for student visa holders. Also European countries follow these restrictions only for non-EU students and treat EU students as domestic.

Below is a graphical representation of the number of hours per week of permitted part-time work on student visa during regular academic sessions.

The main aim behind these restrictions is to ensure that students don’t neglect their study which is their main agenda. Understanding the tightening purses and economic conditions, countries and universities support the will of students to utilise their extra time in earning something extra. As a result, they keep on loosening the restrictions on working while studying for study visa holders. The recent steps taken by New Zealand are a proof of this.

# The data published is taken from various sources. There is no guarantee on the authenticity of the data.